Business Insurance

Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design LLC

Business Auto

Many states require individuals to purchase vehicle insurance to protect their cars. Car insurance is mandated for good reason – if you get into an accident, you and the other driver involved will be thankful you have coverage. If you are a business owner whose company has a fleet of vehicles, the same auto insurance needs still apply.

Many businesses are exposed to the financial consequences of their ownership, use or maintenance of vehicles that are used in their operations. Most coverage needs can be handled by a business auto policy (BAP) or similar form. BAPs may cover a variety of operations, including the following:

Product or food delivery

Transporting business products to wholesalers or retailers

Retail product delivery to consumers

Carrying persons for short, intermediate or long distance routes

Picking up customer items for cleaning, repair, storage, etc.

Coverage is flexible. It may be purchased as a separate policy or as part of a package of coverage that can also protect buildings and business property (equipment, furniture, etc.). A BAP generally offers:

Liability Coverage is protection for physical injury to other persons or their property because of an accident related to your covered vehicle, including legal defense cost or expense.

Comprehensive Coverage handles loss from any cause except collision. A limited, less expensive option is available. It only protects against a set of specific causes such as fire, lightening, explosion, vandalism and several others.

Collision takes care of damage from crashes with another object or overturn of the vehicle.

Towing And Labor Costs handles expenses for moving disabled vehicles.

Loss of Use/Rental Vehicle Coverage offers protection if you damage a rental car, this option helps to reimburse the rental company for income it loses because the vehicle is out of use. Also, there may be limited coverage for injury or damage that you cause to others while using a rented vehicle anywhere in the world.

Business Auto Policy Exclusions

Typically, a business auto (or similar form) will not provide coverage for the following:

Any injury/damage that you expected or intended

Responsibility for damage you assume under a contract

Losses that should be handled by a Workers’ Compensation, Disability Benefits or Unemployment Compensation Law

Bodily Injury to an employee caused by a fellow employee

Damage to property that is in your care, custody and control

Any bodily injury or property damage that occurs because of pollution

Any loss that is related to racing, demolition or stunts

Other items that are not covered are the same as those found with most types of policies, such as Nuclear Hazard, or any type of War or Military Action. Racing, Wear and Tear, Freezing, Mechanical or Electrical Breakdown, Blowouts, Punctures or Other Road Damage to Tires are also excluded.

Are you protected against business auto losses? Drive over and discuss your situation with us. The trip will be worth it. You can also simply give us a call or click to chat about your particular needs.

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2014

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.